Long, fluttery lashes have long been an object of desire, and mascara is the most popular way to achieve them. However, if you're not a fan of mascara, don’t worry—it doesn't mean you're doomed to short, stubby lashes. With the right products, like false lashes, eyelash curlers, and eyeliner, you can get long, glam lashes sans the chunky mascara. If you’re looking for something a bit more permanent, visit a salon where a professional can give you lash extensions, a lash perm, or a lash tint. Finally, if you want to actually grow your lashes, give lash growth serums, natural oils, and biotin a chance.

Steps

Method1

Giving Yourself Longer Lashes Temporarily

1

Consider false lashes. The most common way to lengthen your lashes without mascara is to apply false eyelashes. These come in all shapes and sizes, from full strips that fit your entire lashline to individual clusters that you can place exactly where you want a little extra length.[1]

Try full strip false lashes if you’re feeling especially dramatic. These will give you a major length boost.

Individual lashes work best if you want a more natural, subtle look.

You may need to cut or trim strip lashes to fit your eye shape. Always test a pair before trying to put them on.

2

Apply the false lashes properly. To secure the lashes to your lid, apply lash glue to the false lash band or cluster. Let the glue sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute. If it feels slightly tacky, you’re doing it right. Set the lashes just above your natural lash line, starting at the outer corner and pressing inward to secure them.[2]

When you’re applying your lashes, set your mirror below you and tilt your chin downward so you can place the lashes at the right angle. After all, titled or lopsided lashes are not ideal.

After you’ve applied the lashes to your eye, let them sit for another 30 seconds to 1 minute to ensure that the glue has bonded with your skin. You don’t want one of these guys falling off mid-day!

To remove the lashes at the end of the day, simply peel up one of the edges and gently pull the lashes off. You may need to use eye makeup remover to remove any glue residue from your lashes or skin.

3

Curl your lashes. Straight lashes can look shorter and sparser. That’s where the trusty eyelash curler comes in. Curling your lashes helps lift the them so they look long and fluttery. Take your eyelash curler, and curl your lashes along their entire length for the longest look.[3]

You can purchase an eyelash curler at drugstores, beauty supply stores, or any store that sells cosmetics.

Start with the eyelash curler at the base of your lashes, and hold it closed for approximately 3 seconds. Next, move the curler to the center of your lashes and hold it closed for another 3 seconds. Finally, place the curler at the end of your lashes and hold it closed for a final 3 seconds. Ta-da! Instantly longer lashes.

If you don’t have an eyelash curler, a clean toothbrush is a surprisingly good stand-in. Run the brush under hot water and then dry it lightly with a clean towel. Next, run the brush through your lashes, starting at the base and holding it at the tips for several seconds to create the curl.[4]

4

Add eyeliner to the base and underside of your top lashline. Eyeliner, mascara's partner in crime, can actually be used alone to lengthen lashes! Instead of applying the liner to your lid, trace it right along the base of your lashes. Next, gently pull up on your eyelid to expose the underside of your lashline, also known as the tightline, and apply liner there as well to make your lashes appear thicker and longer.[5]

Use a dark eyeliner so it blends in with your lashes. Black is usually the best option, but if your lashes are light, you might want to pick a brown liner.

For the liner at the base of your lashes, you have a ton of options: try pencil, powder, liquid, or cream eyeliner. For the tightline, use a pencil or cream liner.

Method2

Visiting the Salon for Longer Lashes

1

Get eyelash extensions. If you want a longer lasting lash boost, lash extensions are a great option. Think of these as false lashes with an upgrade. The salon technician will bond individual false lashes to the tips of your natural lashes with medical-grade adhesive. Lash extensions usually last 4 to 6 weeks.[6]

Take it easy on your lash extensions. Avoid rubbing your eyes when they’re itchy or while washing your face. If you’re too rough, you may loosen the adhesive.

Lash extensions can be a bit pricey, so if you’re on a budget, look elsewhere. Lucky for you, there are many other options!

Some people experience an allergic reaction to the adhesive used to attach the extensions. Ask the esthetician to a patch test with the adhesive on your skin before applying the extensions.

Getting lash extensions too frequently can lead to breakage for your natural lashes, so it’s best to just get them when you have special events coming up.

2

Have your lashes permed. Curling your lashes each day can be a drag. If you’re over it, you may want to consider an eyelash perm. In this process, chemicals are applied to your lashes which are then wrapped around foam rollers to curl them. Your lashes will remain curled for 1 to 3 months. It’s like a hair perm, but miniature![7]

Lash perming must be done by a trained professional.

Because lash perming utilizes chemicals, there is the possibility that your eyes and the skin around them may become irritated afterward. Leaving the perm solution on too long can also cause your lashes to break or fall out—not so helpful for your quest for longer lashes. Make sure to visit a reputable salon where the esthetician has experience performing lash perms.

3

Tint your lashes. Extensions, perms...what’s next? Dye, of course. If you have light colored lashes, they probably look shorter than they actually are. Instead of using mascara, you can darken your lashes to help lengthen their appearance by having them tinted with a vegetable-based dye. Visit a trained esthetician to have your lashes tinted. This dye job typically last 4 to 6 weeks.[8]

As with any type of lash treatment, there is the possibility of an allergic reaction. Ask the esthetician to do a patch test on your skin before using the dye to check that you aren’t allergic to the dye’s ingredients.

Just as with lash extensions or perms, it’s important to visit a reputable salon with trained professionals to have your lashes tinted.

Method3

Using Long Term Products for Longer Lashes

1

Use a lash growth serum. If you’re ready to throw out your mascara for good, you may want to invest in an eyelash growth serum. These products do just what their name suggests: make your lashes grow longer, with the help of peptides and other ingredients. However, prescription treatments are typically the only ones that work. Over-the-counter formulas usually just contain conditioning ingredients that may not necessarily help with growth. See a dermatologist to talk about your options.[9]

In order to see results, you must apply the serum nightly. It’s also important to apply the serum right at the lashline. The hairs that make up the lashes are already dead, so applying it to them won’t make any difference.

Good things take time, and this holds true for lash growth serum. It may take 2 to 6 months to see any results, so hang in there.

Be aware that there are possible side effects associated with prescription lash growth serum. It has been known to discolor both the lid and iris of the eye.

2

Condition your lashes with oil. Lashes may break and fall off if they’re not properly moisturized and conditioned, which spells disaster for your longer-lash mission. Natural oils, such as olive, coconut, castor, and jojoba, are believed to help moisturize and strengthen your lashes so they can grow longer. Apply some to your lashes every night as part of your skin care routine.[10]

Be patient and consistent with this process. You won’t see results overnight, so don't give up hope too soon! Give your lashes at least 2 to 3 months to respond.

To apply the oil to your lashes, you can dab a small amount on your fingertips and run them over your lashes. However, for a more thorough coating, it’s better to dip a clean spoolie into the oil and then run it through your lashes like you would a mascara, minus the annoying clumping and smearing.

Petroleum jelly can also work well as a lash conditioner to help your lashes grow longer. You can apply it to your lashes in the same way that you would an oil.

3

Take biotin supplements. Biotin is a vitamin that is thought to help strengthen weak, brittle hair, but it could give your lashes a pick-me-up, too. Taking a biotin supplement daily may help your lashes grow longer and thicker. Again, you’ll need patience—it could take several months to see any results.[11]

Biotin is water-soluble, so it passes out of your system fairly quickly. That means it’s unlikely that you could take too much of it. However, you should always speak to your doctor before starting any supplements to ensure that they’re safe for you to take with your other medications and to determine the proper dosage.

If you don’t want to take biotin supplements, you can incorporate certain foods into your diet that are high in the vitamin. Almonds, pecans, bananas, egg yolks, and whole grains all contain biotin, plus they’re yummy and healthy. It’s a win for your body and your lashes!

Tips

If you wear eye makeup other than mascara, use a makeup remover to take it off at the end of the day. Removers help dissolve the makeup so you don’t have to scrub at your eyes, which make cause your lashes to break or fall out.

If you don’t like to use mascara because of how dark it is, you may want to consider a clear mascara. It can separate and define your lashes so they appear longer without adding any color.